- * Gov Ikpeazu, Others Mourn
Death struck in the political family of Abia State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) early Wednesday morning as the 2023 gubernatorial candidate of the party in the state, Professor Uche Ikonne passed on.
The academic and politician reportedly died at the National Hospital Abuja.
A statement by the late Professor's family which was signed by son, Dr Chikezie Uche- Ikonne, said that his father died after a brief illness early today (Wednesday, January 25, 2023) at the National Hospital Abuja.
The statement reads thus: “I regret to announce the death of my dear father, Prof Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne, who died at the National Hospital Abuja today, 25th January 2023 by 4am after a brief illness.
“He was recovering after taking proper treatment in the United Kingdom but relapsed a few days ago leading to multiple cardiac arrests for which he didn’t recover from.
“Further details and arrangements would be made known to the public after deliberations and meetings are made within the family.
"Thank you.
"Dr Uche- Ikonne Chikezie"
Meanwhile, reactions have continued to pour in on the passing of the eminent professor. Abia State governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has directed that all flags in Abia State PDP offices be lowered and flown at half-mast.
This was consequent upon the death of the party’s governorship standard bearer in the March 11 poll, Professor Uche Ikonne
The statement reads: “It is with a heavy heart but total submission to the will of God that we announce the passing of our Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2023 general elections, Prof Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne, which sad event took place in the early hours of today at the National Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness.
“While we condole with the family of the late Professor of Optometry, the PDP family and Abians in general, we pray God to have mercy on his soul, grant him eternal rest and give everyone affected by his unfortunate demise the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“As a mark of honour to our dear departed brother, I hereby direct that all flags in Abia State PDP offices be lowered and flown at half-mast while all campaign activities for the party at all levels be suspended until Monday, 30th January, 2023.
“I urge all PDP leaders and members to remain calm as we navigate through this difficult period together.”
On January 17, Governor Ikpeazu, who had kept mum on the issue of Ikonne’s health, had finally confirmed that he was ill.
Ikpeazu made the confirmation in a local radio programme in Umuahia.
The governor, however, said that Prof Ikonne was “recovering gradually and progressively”.
According to him, Ikonne attended some rallies organised by the PDP in Abia, including the November 24, 2022 launch of the party’s state-wide campaign at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
He said Prof Ikonne left the stadium for a gala night, organised in honour of the G-5 governors in his (Ikpeazu) Umuobiakwa country home in Obingwa, “where he managed to give a speech and then he took ill.” (With additional reports from theconclave). NNL.
